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Sudan Tribune

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JEM-Dabajo calls for retaining the five states in Darfur

January 25, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – The former rebel Justice and Equality Movement faction led by Bakheit Abdallah Dabajo (JEM-Dabajo) said it would support the retention of the existing administrative status in Darfur instead of establishing a single region in the upcoming referendum.

JEM Dabajo political advisor, Nahar Osman Nahar, speaks in a press conference held in Khartoum on January 25, 2016 (Photo SUNA)
JEM Dabajo political advisor, Nahar Osman Nahar, speaks in a press conference held in Khartoum on January 25, 2016 (Photo SUNA)
The Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) provides that the permanent administrative status of Darfur be determined through a referendum. The voters have to vote for the creation of a Darfur Region composed of the States of Darfur; or the retention of the status quo of States system.

Earlier this month, the Darfur referendum commission announced that the residents of the region will vote during three days from 11 to 13 April on whether or not the region will keep its five states or reunite as one entity with a semi-autonomous administration.

JEM-Dabajo political advisor Nahar Osman Nahar said in a press conference Monday the referendum is considered a right for the Darfur people according to the DDPD, adding it should have been conducted a year ago.

He described the date set by the commission to hold the referendum as suitable. He pointed it coincides with the final outcome of national dialogue conference.

Nahar underscored the the existing administrative status promotes political participation and expands economic development projects, calling upon Darfur people to participate in the referendum as a legitimate right.

Several lawmakers had previously called to postpone the referendum saying the exercise will create a new turmoil in Darfur and also noted the huge financial cost of the referendum.

Others also, pointed that the national dialogue conference will discuss the current territorial administrative division and requested to postpone the referendum which was supposed to be held “no sooner than one year” after the signing of the DDPD.

Meanwhile, the governor of Central Darfur state Gaafar Abdel-Hakam warned against establishing a single region in Darfur, saying it would lead to centralization of services and hence increases people’s suffering.

Abdel-Hakam, who met the members of the referendum committee, stressed the need for concerted efforts to mobilize residents to participate in the referendum.

He added that his government has intensified efforts to the complete the registration for the National Identification Number among the IDP’s and the nomads.

According to the latest census, the inhabitants of Darfur region are estimated at 12 million people including 5 million internal and external migrants.

Observers close to the file in Khartoum say the organization of the referendum illustrates once again the deep divisions among the Darfurians, adding that those who are against the process are not part of the DDPD signatories.

Some rebels among the non-signatories of the Doha framework agreement say they are against the referendum because it would not express the will of Darfurians, pointing to the IDPs and refugees in Chad who will not participate in the vote.

(ST)

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